Approach this cookbook with an open mind and heart and you can expect to have a mind-blowing interaction about life, "soul diving," and how that all applies to the true art of cooking.

The best cookbooks bring a sense of wonder and awe to the reader. They bring something new into our lives that we can share with self, family and friends. A new recipe that "works", in its own right, brings love joy and fun. The greatest one's surprise and delight with either a novel approach, a twist on doing things, or a reminder that we are on the right path to success. They tell the stories of how those dishes came to be, and enrich the act of preparing those dishes. This is one of those books…and perhaps you should sit down for the explanation.

A new hybrid cookbook, "What Do You Bring to the Table: A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life" by Shelley Whizin brings two concepts together. Cooking, of course, with lots of yummy recipes and amazing photos. The second is "soul diving." Soul diving is what the author uses as an analogy for life. Approach this cookbook with an open mind and heart and you can expect to have a mind-blowing interaction about life, soul diving, and how that all applies to cooking.

As background, soul diving focuses on the multifaceted dynamics present between the human and the soul. Per the author soul diving is the art of, "… trading up old un-serving ways paving the way to adopting new ways of thinking and Being. The intention is to, "…find ways to achieve and sustain a sense of joy every day in life, maintain well-being, have calm, and instill a conscientious gratitude for what is. The art of living becomes achieved when each one feels they're living a more exuberant, fulfilling and meaningful life, a better sense of everyday joy in living.A LOT of fun must be added to the equation to fulfill your sense of wellbeing."

In this refreshing and mind intensifying cookbook, the author uses food as an analogy for life. It will inspire you to reflect what you bring to the table of your own life. Ms. Whizin explains, "Love is the key ingredient to living a happy and joyful life. Remember to bring love into everything you do."

Think of it this way. What if cooking was more than slinging pots, pans and forks three times a day? Have you ever thought of meditating before each meal?The author provides a "Happy Mindful Meditation" for each chapter of the book. Yup, mediate first, cook second. When you go to the market do you "ask" which vegetables want to come with you to be in your soup? The author does and it all makes perfect sense when she explains how to get in touch with your own senses to "feel" the dish you are making. Be sure to embrace the "Self-Reflection/Notes" section at the end of each chapter where you indicate how you enjoyed the preparation process, the result and reactions from family and friends.

Honestly, this a wonderfully quirky cookbook you should try and share with like-minded friends. With chapter titles such as: Preparation of Self, Getting into the Deep Dive, Change Your Thoughts, Change your Life and Living Your Legacy there's a lot to swallow – so to speak. I want to stress that the recipes are excellent. Short'ish prep times, manageable ingredient lists, easy to follow directions and knock-out photos guide you to success.

Shelley Whizin, author of What Do You Bring to the Table: A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life is the founder of The Soul Diving Institute in Sherman Oaks, California. She is also a philanthropist, teacher, speaker, and innovative creator of programs that elevate individuals to increase their Joy Factor© in daily life and living. She guides, coaches and teaches individuals how to bring love, honor, and dignity into everything they do, including cooking. She uses cooking as the analogy for living a yummy delicious life, which consists of permeating one's true essences into the preparation of the recipes. She encourages everyone to use their own instincts in cooking so the recipes become their own.

It's quite the experience. Immerse yourself in the book, enjoy the included recipes and relish in the "yummy delicious life".

Enjoy a taste of this book.

The Shirley Whizin Killer Hershey Chocolate Cake

Serves 8

Prep time: 20 minutes

Bake time: 35 minutes

Total time: 55 minutes

Who doesn't love chocolate?Chocolate has been lovers' delight for centuries.This is a fool proof recipe and was passed down from the Whizin side of the family.I'm telling you, no matter what I have done to this recipe, it always comes out DELICIOUS! You'll see!You just can't kill it!

INGREDIENTS

●¼ lb. butter (room temperature)

●¾ cup of sugar

●4 eggs (room temperature)

●1 cup sifted flour

●1 teaspoon baking powder

●Dash of salt

●1 lg can Hershey chocolate syrup

●1 teaspoon vanilla

METHOD

●Preheat oven at 350 degrees

●Cream butter and sugar

●Add the eggs

●Sift flour, baking powder and salt together, set aside

●Add the sifted dry ingredients (on slow speed if using an electric mixer) to wet ingredients with can of Hershey chocolate syrup, vanilla, and mix until creamy

●Pour into a 9" greased and floured Pyrex dish and bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

●More time may be necessary depending on how wet you want the cake.

●When cool, frost with favorite icing.This will keep moist if refrigerated (Note: you cannot kill this cake, even if you burn it.I'm telling you it will taste delicious no matter what).

# # # 

Jake's Fav Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

Serves 12

Prep time: 20 minutes

Bake time: 20-25 minutes

Total time: 40-45 minutes

My grandson, Jake, LOVES chocolate, and so I always add chocolate chips to this recipe that was passed down to me from the Whizin side of the family.It's a fail proof recipe that always comes out great.Just don't leave the muffins in too long.They are much better when a little moist. I've also made them with butterscotch chips.Those were yummy too!ENJOY!

INGREDIENTS

●¾ cup sugar

●½ cups butter (room temperature)

●2 eggs (room temperature)

●1 teaspoon baking soda

●4 tablespoons sour cream (I use a little more)

●1 cup mashed banana

●1 ½ cups pastry flour

●¼ teaspoon salt

●1 teaspoon vanilla extract

●¼-1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

METHOD

●Preheat oven to 350º F.

●Dissolve soda in sour cream, set aside, let soda bubble up.

●Cream butter & sugar.

●Add eggs then beat lightly.

●Add sour cream & soda and add to egg mix.

●Add bananas alternately with flour, salt & vanilla.

●Mix slightly then add chocolate chips.

●Spray muffin tins with nonstick olive oil.I like the crispy outer layer.

●Bake in muffin pans for 20-25 minutes.

●Check on the muffins

Lemon Icing (optional)

●1 cup powdered (confectionery) sugar

●1 tablespoon lemon juice (or a lil' more)

●1 tablespoon boiling water (or a lil' less)

●[Optional:add rind from ½ lemon]

●Place lemon juice and water in a bowl.

●Add sugar until mixture is thick enough to spread.

NOTES

Muffins come out a little too dry if I wait for a knife to come out cleanly.Better to leave it too moist.

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